American Association on Mental Retardation
Encyclopedia
The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) (formerly the American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR)) is an American
non-profit professional organization that advocates on behalf of those with mental retardation
. AAMR has members in the United States and 55 other countries.
The first meeting of the "Association of Medical Officers of American Institutions for Idiotic and Feebleminded Persons" was held at the Elwyn Training School
in Elwyn, Pennsylvania
. The organization later changed its name to "American Association on Mental Deficiency" (AAMD) and then to the "American Association on Mental Retardation." In June 2006, members of the association voted to change its name to the "American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities."
, a multi-year campaign to raise awareness about the problem of uninsured children in America.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
non-profit professional organization that advocates on behalf of those with mental retardation
Mental retardation
Mental retardation is a generalized disorder appearing before adulthood, characterized by significantly impaired cognitive functioning and deficits in two or more adaptive behaviors...
. AAMR has members in the United States and 55 other countries.
History
Founded in 1876, the AAIDD is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization of professionals (and others) concerned about intellectual and related disabilities.The first meeting of the "Association of Medical Officers of American Institutions for Idiotic and Feebleminded Persons" was held at the Elwyn Training School
Elwyn Inc.
Elwyn, founded in 1852, is one of the oldest and largest care facilities in the country serving children and adults with a wide range of physical, developmental, sensory , and emotional disabilities, as well as those with mental illness, those with disabilities due to age, and those who are...
in Elwyn, Pennsylvania
Elwyn, Pennsylvania
Elwyn is a town in the Philadelphia-Camden metropolitan area. Elwyn is in Middletown Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, USA. Middletown Township had a population of 16,000 in the 2000 census...
. The organization later changed its name to "American Association on Mental Deficiency" (AAMD) and then to the "American Association on Mental Retardation." In June 2006, members of the association voted to change its name to the "American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities."
Mission statement
The AAIDD has adopted a 13-point set of principles to accomplish the mission:- Achieving full societal inclusion and participation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Advocating for equality, individual dignity and other human rights.
- Expanding opportunities for choice and self-determination.
- Influencing positive attitudes and public awareness by recognizing the contributions of people with intellectual disabilities.
- Promoting genuine accommodations to expand participation in all aspects of life.
- Aiding families and other caregivers to provide support in the community.
- Increasing access to quality health, education, vocational, and other human services and supports.
- Advancing basic and applied research to prevent or minimize the effects of intellectual disability and to enhance the quality of life.
- Cultivating and providing leadership in the field.
- Seeking a diversity of disciplines, cultures, and perspectives in our work.
- Enhancing skills, knowledge, rewards and conditions of people working in the field.
- Encouraging promising students to pursue careers in the field of disabilities.
- Establishing partnerships and strategic alliances with organizations that share our values and goals.
Campaign for Children's Health Care
The AAIDD is a partner in the Campaign for Children's Health CareCampaign for Children's Health Care
The Campaign for Children's Health Care is an American issue advocacy campaign dedicated to making high-quality, affordable health insurance coverage for all of America's children a top national priority...
, a multi-year campaign to raise awareness about the problem of uninsured children in America.